The Council of the Socialist International, meeting at the United Nations in Geneva on 26-27 June 2018, discussed the contribution of social democracy to the resolution of conflicts and to international peace and security.
Conflicts in the world destroy lives, impede development and cause the forced displacement of civilian populations. The resolution of conflicts and push for peace must therefore remain fundamental social democratic principles, which the SI and its member parties seek to advance at all times. Peace is of course a prerequisite for personal security, development and a high standard of living.
In this context, the Council considered the vital work of conflict resolution in Africa, a continent where the SI has a long history of working for peace and security. It recognised that several SI member parties are actively engaged in a number of peace building and conflict resolution efforts.
The SI has consistently encouraged regional cooperation in the Sahel to combat terrorism and reinforce security, and the Council reiterates the support of the SI for the G5 Sahel task force. Though the terrorist threat remains in the Sahel, thanks to coordinated action by regional governments it has been contained.
With respect to Western Sahara, the Council expresses its support for the Secretary-General of the United Nations and his newly appointed Personal Envoy in their efforts to achieve a political, peaceful, fair and lasting solution, mutually acceptable for both sides in the conflict, in accordance with the relevant United Nations resolutions. This process should lead to face to face negotiations of the parties.
The Council recognises the determined and persistent efforts in the region of the Great Lakes by countries of that region committed to peace. The International Conference for the Great Lakes Region has been an important forum for working towards a durable and negotiated solution that will bring peace and stability to the DR Congo, Central African Republic, Burundi and Sudan, where terrorist groups and rebels have left a trail of destruction and death.
The SI is following with interest the evolution of the situation in Libya and expresses its support to the actions of the Secretary-General of the United Nations and his deputy, for a political solution involving all Libyans and starting with the organisation of elections in order to establish legal institutions.
The SI is following with great attention the dramatic and worrying evolution of the crisis which is affecting the Anglophone populations of the north-west and south-west of Cameroon and reiterates its exhortation to President Paul Biya to urgently find appropriate solutions to put an end to this dangerous crisis before the situation deteriorates in the whole country.
_______________
